Latest News & Press

The NAJ’s Annual General meeting at the iconic Tower of London marked the launch of the HALO (Hallmarking Awareness and Learning Online) Award as it returns for a third year. The HALO Award is supported by the British Hallmarking Council and the NAJ. Its objective is to encourage and reward promotion of the importance of the hallmark to all consumers browsing and buying fine jewellery or silverware online.  

Attended by over 600 people from across the industry including retailers, manufacturers, designers and jewellery professionals, and with presentations to winners in 20 categories, the recent UK Retail Jeweller Awards was a great opportunity for industry professionals to celebrate the successes and achievements of colleagues in the trade, and especially those of our own customers.

An update to the 1st March 2024 G7 Russian diamond import restrictions which apply to any stones over one carat in weight, and detail what is required across the trade to ensure compliance. 

Laboratory Grown Diamonds (LGDs) continue to grow in popularity and there are now many more available in the marketplace as companies continue to enter the market producing them.  Having recognised the potential, producers have further improved the technology and consumers are now able to purchase LGDs with a certificate and specific colour and clarity; in effect, the same as purchasing a natural diamond. 

This month the Sheffield Assay Master, Ashley Carson, was delighted to make the following announcements regarding the new Hallmarking Department structure and long service congratulations:

On Tuesday 11th June here at Sheffield Assay Office we were delighted to host a Master Cutler's Challenge fundraising evening involving a fascinating presentation by Executive Member and Guardian, Chris Heaton, describing his recent 1000 mile cycle ride across the Empty Quarter Desert - the largest continuous sand desert on earth. 

Opening on Thursday 13 June, Show Your Metal will showcase over 100 objects drawn from Sheffield’s Designated Metalwork Collection, recognising the pioneering advances that earned the city a global reputation. These collection highlights will go on display alongside a number of significant loans, including artist Cornelia Parker’s spectacular large-scale installation, Rorschach (Endless Column III) and a striking replica of a stainless steel dress made by British Steel in the 1960s.

After only two years since its introduction the HALO (Hallmarking Awareness and Learning Online) Award is already proving a success and is back for another year. HALO 2024 launches at the NAJ AGM on 6th June and runs until September offering plenty of time for jewellers selling online to devise creative approaches to promoting the importance of hallmarking and to apply.